This recipe is a wonderful blend of fresh flavors. Gazpacho Granita is a twist on traditional Spanish cold soup, made into a refreshing granita. It's perfect for a hot summer day. The salad adds a crunch, with a delightful dressing that complements the granita perfectly. This is a dish that will impress your guests with its unique presentation and combination of textures and flavors.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and can be easily found in any supermarket. However, you may want to pay special attention to the bell peppers. You need both red and green bell peppers for a mix of flavors. Also, ensure to pick ripe, sweet tomatoes for the granita to bring out the best flavor. Basil is also a key ingredient that adds freshness to the dish.
Ingredients for Gazpacho Granita Recipe
Tomatoes: The star of the dish. They're used for their sweet and slightly acidic flavor in the granita.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: Adds a slight kick to the granita.
Basil: Imparts a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.
Lemon juice: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a spicy touch.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing to bind the ingredients together.
White wine vinegar: Adds acidity to the dressing.
Bell Peppers: Adds a crunch to the salad. The different colors also make the dish visually appealing.
Cucumber: Adds a fresh and crunchy texture.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor.
One reader, Cos Bartley says:
This gazpacho granita recipe is a game-changer! The refreshing blend of sweet tomatoes, basil, and lemon juice creates a burst of flavor. The granita's texture is delightful, and when paired with the crisp salad, it's a match made in culinary heaven. A must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Gazpacho Granita
How to make the granita: This technique involves pureeing the tomatoes with sugar and garlic, straining the mixture, and then adding basil, lemon juice, pepper, and salt before chilling it in the refrigerator.
How to freeze the granita: After preparing the granita mixture, it needs to be poured into a wide and shallow container and frozen for 1 to 2 hours. The mixture should be scraped with a fork every 30 minutes until it turns into small, sequined ice flakes.
How to make the dressing: This involves whisking together extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground pepper until blended.
How to assemble the salad: The salad is assembled by combining red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl, then adding the prepared dressing and tossing to coat.
How To Make Gazpacho Granita
In this gazpacho granita recipe, the granita mixture is made of tomato puree that is frozen and scraped into small, sequined ice flakes for a savory salad.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Granita:
- 2lbripe sweet tomatoes
- 1tbspsugar
- 1garlic clove
- ¼cupfresh basil,finely chopped
- 2tbsplemon juice,fresh
- 2tspcoarsely ground pepper
- ¾tspsalt
For Dressing:
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- 3tbspwhite wine vinegar
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tspfreshly ground pepper
For Salad:
- 1red bell pepper
- 1green bell pepper
- 1cucumber
- ½red onion
Instructions
Granita:
-
Quarter the tomatoes and puree in a food processor with sugar and garlic. Strain puree through a sieve to discard seeds.
-
Stir in the basil, lemon juice, pepper, and salt. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Freeze the Granita:
-
Pour the granita mixture into a wide and shallow container such as a stainless steel baking dish.
-
Cover with a lid, foil, or plastic wrap. Freeze the mixture for 1 to 2 hours until it is solid around the edges.
-
Take the container out of the freezer and scrape the ice with a fork, mixing it from the edges into the center. Repeat the scraping and mixing process every 30 minutes or so until the entire mixture has turned into small, sequined ice flakes.
Dressing:
-
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and ground pepper until blended.
To Assemble:
-
In a large bowl combine the bell peppers, onion, and cucumber, then add the dressing. Toss to coat.
-
Rake the granita with a fork to loosen, then spoon into serving dishes. Arrange salad evenly around each.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 214.08kcal
- Fat: 14.28g
- Saturated Fat: 2.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.70g
- Carbohydrates: 21.14g
- Fiber: 4.96g
- Sugar: 13.17g
- Protein: 3.49g
- Sodium: 598.02mg
- Calcium: 56.20mg
- Potassium: 822.09mg
- Iron: 1.39mg
- Vitamin A: 155.36µg
- Vitamin C: 99.15mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Gazpacho Granita
When preparing the granita, it's crucial to scrape the mixture regularly during the freezing process. This helps to create the desired flaky texture. If left unattended, the mixture will freeze into a solid block. Using a fork, scrape the mixture from the edges towards the center every 30 minutes. This will ensure that the granita freezes evenly and achieves the perfect consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Gazpacho Granita
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly puree the tomatoes and garlic for the granita, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the granita is freezing, use that time to prepare the salad and dressing to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to avoid last-minute searches and delays during cooking.
Quick chilling: Place the granita mixture in the freezer for a shorter time by using a shallow container, allowing it to freeze faster.
Efficient assembly: Assemble the salad while the granita is freezing and use the waiting time to ensure a well-organized and efficient meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Gazpacho Granita Recipe
ripe sweet tomatoes - Substitute with heirloom tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes have a similar sweetness and acidity, making them a great substitute for ripe sweet tomatoes in the gazpacho granita recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness to the granita while also providing a subtle floral flavor that complements the other ingredients.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, which can work well in the gazpacho granita recipe.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint can offer a refreshing and aromatic flavor similar to basil, adding a unique twist to the granita.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the necessary acidity and tanginess to the granita, similar to fresh lemon juice.
coarsely ground pepper - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a hint of smokiness and mild heat, enhancing the flavor profile of the gazpacho granita.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall flavor of the granita.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in the dressing.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with sherry vinegar: Sherry vinegar can offer a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the dressing.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can provide a similar sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding vibrant color and taste to the salad.
green bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can offer a sweet and crisp alternative to green bell peppers, adding visual appeal and flavor to the salad.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar crunchy texture and mild, refreshing flavor, making it a suitable substitute for cucumber in the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and slightly sweet flavor compared to red onions, adding a delicate touch to the salad.
Creative Ways to Present This Chilled Soup
Elevate the gazpacho granita with a unique vessel: Present the gazpacho granita in a chilled, elegant glass bowl or a chilled stone plate to maintain the temperature and enhance the visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers for a pop of color: Garnish the granita with delicate edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a vibrant and visually stunning element to the dish.
Create a visually appealing salad arrangement: Artfully arrange the bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion in a geometric or asymmetrical pattern on the plate to showcase the freshness and colors of the ingredients.
Utilize microgreens for a touch of elegance: Sprinkle the dish with a few carefully placed microgreens to add a subtle yet sophisticated touch and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of high-quality olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the granita and salad to enhance the flavors and add a glossy finish to the dish.
Add a final touch with a sprinkle of sea salt: Finish the dish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to provide a delightful contrast of flavors and a visually appealing texture.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Gazpacho Granita
Food processor: A food processor is used to puree the tomatoes for the granita and to mix the ingredients together to create a smooth and consistent texture.
Sieve: A sieve is used to strain the tomato puree to remove the seeds, resulting in a smooth and seed-free mixture for the granita.
Stainless steel baking dish: A stainless steel baking dish is used to freeze the granita mixture. Its wide and shallow design allows for quick freezing and easy scraping with a fork.
Whisk: A whisk is used to blend the ingredients for the dressing, ensuring that the oil and vinegar emulsify and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the salad, allowing for easy tossing and coating of the vegetables with the dressing.
Storing and Freezing Gazpacho Granita for Later
The gazpacho granita can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
If you have leftovers, simply rake the granita with a fork to loosen it up before serving. If it has frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens slightly, then rake it with a fork to achieve the desired texture.
For the best flavor and texture, consume the granita within 1-2 weeks of freezing. Over time, the granita may lose some of its vibrant color and flavor due to oxidation and ice crystal formation.
If you want to make the granita ahead of time, you can freeze it in individual serving dishes or ramekins. This way, you can easily remove the desired portion without having to thaw and refreeze the entire batch.
To store the salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
If you have leftover bell peppers, cucumber, or red onion, you can chop them up and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use them in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for other dishes.
Interesting Trivia About Gazpacho Granita
The origin of gazpacho granita can be traced back to Spain, where it is a popular dish during the hot summer months. Gazpacho, a cold soup made from tomatoes and other vegetables, is a traditional Spanish recipe. The granita version adds a refreshing twist to the classic dish, turning it into a delightful frozen treat. Gazpacho granita is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of gazpacho in a new and unexpected form, making it a unique and innovative addition to any summer menu.
Is Making Gazpacho Granita at Home Cost-Effective?
This gazpacho granita recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, basil, and bell peppers, are generally affordable and widely available. The recipe also utilizes simple pantry staples like sugar, olive oil, and vinegar, keeping the overall cost low. With a rating of 8/10 for cost-effectiveness, this refreshing dish can be prepared for approximately $15, making it a budget-friendly option for a family of four.
Is Gazpacho Granita Healthy or Unhealthy?
The gazpacho granita recipe is a refreshing and nutritious dish that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The main components, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onion, are all low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes, in particular, are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. The addition of fresh basil and garlic not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and immune system support.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of added sugar in the granita mixture, or consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the salad to boost the fiber content and provide a greater variety of nutrients.
- Opt for a healthier oil in the dressing, such as avocado oil or walnut oil, which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Add a source of lean protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the dish more satiating and balanced.
Editor's Opinion on the Gazpacho Granita Recipe
The gazpacho granita recipe is a refreshing and vibrant dish that beautifully captures the essence of summer. The combination of ripe sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty lemon juice creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The granita's light and icy texture adds a delightful contrast to the crisp and colorful salad. The dressing ties everything together with its simple yet elegant blend of extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar. This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful and impressive dish for any occasion.
Enhance Your Gazpacho Granita Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Chilled Soup Recipes to Try
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Gazpacho Granita
Why trust this Gazpacho Granita Recipe:
This recipe offers a refreshing and flavorful gazpacho granita that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. The use of ripe sweet tomatoes ensures a rich and vibrant flavor, while the addition of fresh basil and garlic enhances the aromatic profile. The dressing provides a harmonious balance of extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar, elevating the overall taste. Additionally, the incorporation of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion in the salad guarantees a delightful crunch and a burst of color. This recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that users can trust.
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